The Nigeria Volleyball Federation has invited 20 players to execute qualification matches for the 2026 CAVB Africa Nations Cup, scheduled to hold in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, from July 13 to July 23.
The Federation confirmed the list of the 20 invited players in a statement by its Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee, Godspower Odedede, on Sunday.
He said the national coaching crew selected a balanced 20-man squad after extensive scouting in the first phase of the National Premier Volleyball League.
“Following a successful first phase of the 2026 National Premier Volleyball League and an extensive scouting exercise, the national coaching crew has selected a balanced squad.
“The squad comprised the country’s finest talents, including experienced foreign-based professionals, to represent Nigeria at the crucial qualifying tournament,” he said.
According to the Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Federation, Tunde Omisore, the squad selected has the ability to secure qualification for the Africa Nations Cup.
“The technical crew has assembled a solid team with the right blend of home-based talents and foreign-based professionals.
“We are confident that this team has what it takes to qualify for the Africa Nations Cup,” he said.
“The quality displayed during the first phase of the National Premier Volleyball League gave us an excellent platform for player assessment and selection,” he added.
The invited players will be camped in a secure facility in Abuja for intensive preparations. The team will train at the Package B Sports Complex, Abuja, ahead of their departure for Cote d’Ivoire.
The players are:
Setters
Bruno Ibeh (COAS)
Adeniyi Favour (Customs)
Elisha Anebi (CNS)
Outside Hitters
Jaiyeola Abdulquadri (Customs)
Lucky Palmer (Kano Pillars)
Ogunshina Obayemi (NPF),
Izuchukwu Oforah (NSCDC)
Emmanuel Udah (Customs)
Anachuna Chukwuemeka (NPF).
Opposites
Vincent Mathias (COAS)
Oyedepo Dhikirullahi (NSCDC)
Armstrong E. Udoka (Light Spikers)
Okonkwo Kingsley (Customs)
Middle Blockers
Anele Timothy (Customs)
Pascal Ozokoye (NSCDC)
Mora Jibril (CNS)
Army Ferdinand (CNS)
Kazeem Mutiu (NCS).
Liberos
Abednego Hassan (Customs)
Tiamiyu Ismail (Customs)
Peter Precious (CNS).
The technical crew is led by Head Coach Oladipupo Taiwo Gabriel, with Tswevini Yohanna and Jonah Adamu serving as assistant coaches. (NAN).
